WDS2014 is eagerly awaited all over the world

The first time the Finnish Kennel Club organised the FCI World Dog Show was in 1998. The event exceeded beyond expectations and became a reference point – the Helsinki standard – for new organisers of the FCI World Dog Show, which takes place once a year at locations around the world.

The Finnish Kennel Club was given a second opportunity to host this event in honour of its 125th anniversary. The Finnish Kennel Club intends to surprise the entire canine world this time as well.

“For the first time ever, all of the show's results will be published in real time on the Internet. The Finnish Kennel Club has been developing this system for years and the new feature is the focus of eager anticipation across the canine world. The group finals of each day will also be streamed live on the event website,” says FCI World Dog Show 2014 Chairman Kari Järvinen.

Every last detail of the FCI World Dog Show has been tuned to perfection. A theme song has been composed for the event and the show's musical performances will be handled by house orchestra Jimmy Cola with its string section. Unique glass artefacts designed by Tarmo Maaronen will be handed out as awards.

The group finals will be hosted by style consultant Leena Sarvi, while the programme items arranged during the event will be presided over by, among others, Satu Tuomisto and Heidi Sohlberg.

Entries powering ahead

More than 19,000 dogs from different corners of the world have already been entered to the show.  Registration ends on 9 July. Entries have come in from as far afield as the Philippines, Australia, Peru, Brazil and Japan. The largest number of foreign dogs is expected from Russia.

The intention is to showcase Finland's magnificent domestic breeds to the whole world at the FCI World Dog Show. This is why the Finnish Kennel Club has invited finnish breeds from all over the world to participate free of charge. The largest number of entries has been received for Lappish breeds, with more than 400 Finnish Lapphunds and almost 200 Lapponian Herders already signed up for the show.

“We're delighted that Helsinki's FCI World Dog Show has proven so popular. It is set to become one of the biggest canine events the world has ever seen. To our delight, large numbers of Lappish dogs, as well as all the other Finnish breeds, will be there to introduce themselves to the world,” says Finnish Kennel Club CEO Markku Mähönen.

Learn about different dog breeds

Certain breeds will be represented in large numbers at the show, but visitors now have the opportunity to get to know some extremely rare dog breeds as well. More than 350 breeds have already been entered.

Learn more about the participating breeds from the sides of the rings and at the presentation points of different breed associations. Tips about getting a dog are also available from the Finnish Kennel Club's stands.

Visitors can purchase tickets to the event from the Messukeskus, Expo and Convention Centre Helsinki webshop or from the venue's entrances during the event.

Further information:
Communications Director Kaija Unhola, +358 50 432 0844, viestinta@kennelliitto.fi.

www.worlddogshow2014.fi